Its really funny to see all American politicians grovelling and prostrating themselves before the all powerful AIPAC as if it were god. Actually it is, because without its support, they stand no chance of being elected.

A. Khan, London,

Israel just needs to whistle and along trots the USA.....such an obediant servant.
Alison, Edinburgh, UK

Much like the Brits are to the USA

Kevin, Phila, USA

The most pathetic part of this whole scenario is that dye-in-the-wool Clinton supporters will vote Mc Cain in September because they didn't get their way, how utterly childish.

Stu, Edinburgh,

"Black people all over the world would be happy and have another reason to celebrate. America would be respected by the world again" - Why must race come into this? Why can't it be about policy? Surely ability to govern a country is more important than the colour of one's skin?

James A Cann, London, UK

There is no history being made for the Democrat party for having chosen Barack Obama as its presidential candidate. In fact, the choice of Obama is simply history repeating itself...this will be the third time in a row that the Democrats have nominated someone who is unelectable by Americans.

Mark, Chicago, USA

well, so sad that misogynism has won.

Irene, London,

Patrick, I think people in the US can elect on policy. It's the media who are making lunch out of Obama's ethnic/ racial background.

phil_style, London, United Kingdom

our respective parties select their leader, 1-3 ensuing months of electioneering, we vote on the nominated saturday, (not on a workday) and wham,- we have our prime minister.
no massive waste of millions of dollars, personel, time and energy on a complex and comical system.

claire, australia.

claire, sydney, australia

Why should it matter to ordinary black people if a black man becomes president? Will he address the interests of the ordinary black man? When has a white president ever addressed the interests of the ordinary white man? Instead of appearance, why can Americans not elect on policy ?

patrick, The hague, Netherlands

why do everybody say he's black, he 's cafe au lait YES LOL

Yves Granges, Annecy, France

When I go into the voting booth this Nov. I won't vote for a black man, or an old man, or loyalty to a particular party. I shall vote for the person I think has demonstrated by their service, personallity, and intellect to be the best.

Nona, New York City, USA

So William, Los Angeles, USA thinks that Israelis are responsible holders of nuclear weapons. Perhaps that's why they carried out atmospheric nuclear explosions in the Indian Ocean on September 2nd 1979. Senator Obama's biggest challenge is not Iraq; rather Israel and Palestine.

Robert, Boca Grande, Florida

"While the US has always worked to keep Church separate from government"

Not lately.

James, Toronto, canada

He who pays the piper calls the tune. Change, what change?

Paul, Coventry,

I hope he also supports the rights of the millions of displaced Palestinians, not to mention the utterly disgusting conditions imposed on them by their neighbours.

Farrukh, Woking,

First promise for the potential president. The same promise that all of the others have made during the past 60 years. No change, so far.

E J Murray, Kerry, Ireland.

USA needs a breath of fresh air and a fresh start to re-invigorate the people and the country to its status as a world leader otherwise it could very well crash and burn
Mr Obama respresents the kind of philosophy that is required to get the USA out of the doldrums and back to where it belongs.

George Brown, Whyalla, Australia

Jim, Obama has promised "an 80% reduction in 1990 levels of greenhouse gases by 2050." McCain has promised only a 60% reduction in the same period, which is sufficient reason in and of itself to vote against him.

Josh, New London, USA

"Even in the Communists dictatorships health care was free for everyone."

Who knows where to even start with this ridiculous analogy.

Health care and health care insurance are 2 different things. The US spends $100 BILLION a year on health care for the uninsured. More than 20% are illegals too.

Mary Catherine, Elmhurst, USA

So, Obama is more interested in keeping Israel happy, spending billions of dollars in Israeli aid, than supporting his own struggling American citizens. It makes you wonder who is pulling Obama's strings. Israel just needs to whistle and along trots the USA.....such an obediant servant.

Alison, Edinburgh, UK

What is Obama going to do about the environment? He does not seem to have made this issue one of major importance.

Jim Wills, Brisbane, Australia

Americans loved President Bush once!

Jim Wills, Brisbane, Australia

In the words of an old school cheer: Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar; all for McCain, stand up and holler! Yeaaah, John!

Susie James, Carrollton, Miss., USA

Great to see Obama backing the ONLY Democracy in the middle east, first black man vs oldest candidate, two decent contenders, should be an interesting run up to November

Sam, Glasgow, Scotland

Arlene, LA,

That's because Europe has only become a destination for immigrants in the last 40 years (especially the last 15). And Uk and France banned slavery long before the US and so don't haven't a huge African population working on its farmlands for the last 200 years!!!!!! try wikipedia :)

Rob, Paris, France

Montague - Jerusalem is the capital of Israel in every respect other than it's recognition by the nations of the world, which, just between you and me, isn't so important, is it? Wake up and smell the roses me old china plate.

Amanda , London, UK

Bess, Upsala, Sweden....
Good question!!
the answer is: to keep oil priced in dollars and the associated economic hegemony.....you run up more debts? Heck, just print off some more paper dollar bills!!!! Bretton Woods agreement anyone?????

Rob, Paris, France

But Jerusalem is NOT the capital of Israel. It never has been (it's Tel Aviv), it's not even officially part of the country.

Montague Withnail, London,

Agreed, Nancy.

He was brought up by white mother & grandparents. So his upbring is white American. So he can relate to both black and white. And how come some useless democrats won't vote for him because Billary didn't get in?

Kris, London,

I am a proud Brit by birth and an American by adoption. I think all Europeans and Brits should stop worrying about the US democratic process, and start worrying about your own LACK of democracy. Your leaders think you are all too stupid to know what's best, so lay down and roll over for the EU .

Jill Owens, New York, USA

So there you have it.
Obama had to bow his knee and pay homage to AIPAC and the all powerful Jewish Lobby that has penetrated US politics, Congress and the Senate to such an extent that Israel's interests are put above those of the US.
Money doesn't talk, it bellows and demands obedience.

Wayne Harris, Chicago, USA

Obama has certainly changed one belief: that no black man could reach the final run-off of a Presidential campaign.

Whether he can change the belief that no-one, man or woman, black, white, olive or Asian, can actually change what it is possible to do, once in the White House, is very different.

Rhys Jaggar, Leeds, UK

It's reassuring to see many people across the world are as overjoyed as Americans are that Obama is the Democratic nominee. (We hate Bush too.) I wish many of you will take the time to see what we&Obama stand for, though. it kinda seems you don't understand our politics & are too quick to judge. :/

Jenny, Albany, USA

For some reason, the British seem to think we Americans are all fat, uneducated, gun-toting rednecks who like to get drunk before driving our SUVs to the McDonalds drive through. I'd just like to set the record straight - I've never owned a gun.

KH, Boston, MA, US

This race showed just how much Dems use race and sex to divide. you dont see that on the Repub. side. When will we judge by character and stop using race? I dont like Obamas slick Chicago ways. How will we pay for this Change when we are in debt as it is? More taxes? That would ruin us. Bob Barr 08

William, Atlanta, USA

I'm a Democrat who is NOT happy about the Obama thing. I wanted Hillary to win (and still do). I cannot and willnot vote for Obama because of his lack of experience and overall poor judgement. Hillary would have been lots better. I am left with no other choice than to vote for McCain.

Nancy, Valencia, CA, USA

Mr. Obama is not black, he is mixed race, there is a difference.
This is probably why he has a more balanced view on race relations than other politicians.

ali, Bermuda,

Jim Laflin, Bicknoller

If anyone can lay claim to saving Europe from the Nazi's then the USSR easily wins that argument. Nobody steamrolled Nazi Germany like the Russians

Phill, The Wirral, England

The intractable problems in Apartheid South Africa and Northern Ireland were solved because the concerned parties sat round a table and talked - McCain is showing himself to be more of the same in attacking Obama here, clearly he also lacks the intellect required to lead the free world. Vote Obama!

Jonathan Main, Kuwait City,

Bess, Uppsala, Sweden:

Nobody in the US is turned away at the hospital door. Even the illegal invaders recieve health care services when they need it. The trouble is that the working class is footing the bill for the no-loads. Social programs are the largest expenditure in the US budget.

J. Smoe, Boston, US

I am constantly amazed at the number of European posters who are "expert" about the views of the citizenry in the USA and who have not spent any time here, compounded by the fact they seem to have little knowledge of the history or current issues in the states..

Edmund, providence, usa

Absolute and categoric proof that the most powerful and influential lobby in the US is the Israeli lobby. to be the next US president, Obama has to do whatever possible to keep these zealots onside, Face it, Israel controls US foreign policy.

Samuel, Glasgow,

As someone from Scandinavia, I can only applaud the idea of having Barack Obama as the next president for U.S. Clintons were true friends of the cold Nordic countries (as I believe Obama will be as well), while Bush has not even acknowledged the Nordic countries' existence.

Gunnar Ole Moen, Oslo, Norway

The next war in the middle east will be between Israel and Iran. If Iran come close to developing a nuclear weapon, Israel will roll 2,500 tanks across her borders without hesitation. This is going to happen sooner than you think unless a diplomatic solution can be found.

James Lynch, London, UK

I don't care what the average US redneck has to say about Obama, he's a way better candidate than Hillary or McCain. If McCain wins, we should expect him to do the same as G. Bush because he will. Good luck to Barack.

Greg, Green Bay, USA

Obama, McCain - there is no real difference - they do the bidding of others (not the electorate).

Tell the electorate what they want to hear right now, then when elected act against the public.

Brown, Cameron - there is no real difference - they do the bidding of others (not the electorate)

R McAuley, antrim, United Kingdom

Please, is there any American here who could explain to me how the USA is ready to spend billions of dollars on the far away country when about 50 millions of its own citizens lack health insurance. Even in the Communist dictatorships health care was for free for everyone.

Bess, Uppsala, Sweden

Maybe 20 years ago, Obama would not make it this far. But the US is a very forward thinking nation. In it's 200+ years of being a nation, it has a pres candidate who is of color. I can't say the same for Britain or Europe , where in its centuries of existence, all the leaders have been white.

Arlene, LA,

Thanks, Matt, couldn't have said it better! If countries like Pakistan, Liberia and India have had woman presidents,how far behind is 'transformational America'? And for all his rhetoric, haven't seen hopeful change sweeping through Illinois. His policies aboveare anodyne and naive in the extrem

Catherine, London,

"noting that he had opposed 2006 Palestinian Authority elections with Hamas on the ballot."

So he would have preferred it if 44% of voters, i.e. the ones who voted for Hamas, were completely disenfranchised?? Wow - so much for change - sounds like the same old same old to me.

Jonathan, Oxfordshire, England

Could Obama be 'the first small step' on the road to democracy in the USA?
Politics there reflect the position in Britain in the 19th Century. Cash, and millions of it, decides the candidates. The media decides the vote.

roy ormond, leeds, uk

If Obama is elected president, most Europeans can rejoice as this will certainly mark the downfall of the United States, which is what most of you want anyway.

To anyone in the U.S. who may read this -- just say "no" to socialism -- vote McCain!

Scott, Houston, Texas, USA

To William, Los Angeles, who asked, "Does anyone seriously think that any country would ri"sk getting hit by a nuclear weapon if Iran wiped Israel off the map? "

Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon risked having US cities hit by nuclear weapons because of Israel in the 1973 war. Why not now?

Arik Silverman, Milwaukee, USA

This is one of the rare occasions were I earnestly hope I am wrong; but it is probable that the States willl reveal its 'true colours' when that right-wing senile fool becomes President in November, hopefully he'll develope some old age terminal illness before then!

Antonio , West Midlands, UK

GOD has sent Barak Obama to restore the USA dignity. Amen

barrister zubby emma, lagos, NIGERIA

Steven and Donavan, don't take this too seriously. It's just that after two mandates of Bush it's very difficult to take america seriously, except for the very serious consequences of a completely imbecil foreign policy; one that Britain, and Portugal for that matter, are also guilty of supporting.

Rui, Lisbon, Portugal

Last night was a time to reflect on how far we have come & take pride in that.I'm saddened by many of the comments below.Do you really believe the US is made up of know-nothing,racist morons?Many of us know each candidate's policies in detail, & do judge a man based on the "content of his character"

Kelly, San Francisco, USA

Florida's in the bag! :)

Jez W, Leeds,

Who runs America's foreign policy? Israel or America?

Arthur, New York,

Does anyone seriously think that any country would risk getting hit by a nuclear weapon if Iran wiped Israel off the map? The only defense Israel has is it's own nuclear capability, and they have certainly shown that they are responsible holders of those weapons.

William, Los Angeles, USA

I am British and I have to agree some of the comments on this site are insulting. However USA politicians must remeber the world is a dangerous place today because of one man G Bush. No country is the worlds police force. Clinton was a great politician and I believe Obama would be the same

john, bath,

Americans saved Europe in the last war, and take most of the credit for resolving the problems in the Balkans.

I believe that the invasion of Iraq was crass stupidity, but British politicians, and specifically Blair were equally responsible.

Most Americans who I have met are decent people.

Jim Laflin, Bicknoller,

I hope Obama wins.
If the USA pull out of Iraq and Afghan then Britain will be forced to.
I dont want my son in those two countries fighting for the neocons manic fight to retain the Petrodollar over the Petroeuro

Phill, The Wirral, England

"I cannot ever forsee election of a person of colour to No.10 Downing Street!!"
Donovan Wright
ewish people dont count as ethnic minorities then, as we in Britain have had a Jewish PM you know. We've also had a woman, so America has a way to catch up on us really. But theyre trying, bless.

Matt Hurcomb, Hereford, UK

America has a serious race problem, and Americans of all colors often have some bias. But it is quite wrong to say that the average American is a racist.

The Brits slagging America are entirely out of touch with their own country. The English view their own cities as no longer truly English.

Bob Shore, Buffalo, NY

I lived in London for 10 years and I am deeply ashamed by comments from the British on this post. The ignorance of what Americans think (most Americans don't make funny caricatures in Borat so please don't pretend to know what an average american is) and our political process is dishearting.

Steven, Chevy Chase, MD, US

Some of these postings from many non-Americans are quite disgraceful. The fact is that the USA has always been a progressive country, not afraid to admit it's faults and tries to correct them. Speaking from the UK, I cannot ever forsee election of a person of colour to No.10 Downing Street!!

Donovan Wright, Reading, Berkshire,

We should all pity the citizens of the USA. They are nothing more but victims of their narrow-minded politicians. Obama or some other president, they will bring only more disaster.
The is the country without future.

Bess, Uppsala, Sweden

Thanks to the well wishers. We are very happy that Obama is the nominee, and we are optimistic for the general election. The USA is not perfect, but most of us are not racist, and most of us want to do the right thing and want our country to live up to its potential and ideals. Thanks again.

Ana, Atlanta, USA

W. has already made Obama a successful president. Anything he does will be better than the previous 8 years. But I think the Europeans who have advocated against an "aggressive" American foreign policy will be surprised at how rapidly they get their wish. Good luck with Iran.

James Fox, Allentown, USA

To those who are wondering why Obama is being classified as Black even though he is 1/2 white and 1/2 black, review the US Supreme Court ruling 'Plessy v. Ferguson'. It was eventually overturned by 'Brown v. Board of Education', but the issue concerns a man who was 1/7 Black and could pass for white

Calvin, New York, US

This is a sad day for America! What America needs right now is a president of experience, not a man just out of his diapers.

Mark Alexander, London,

Lincoln, King and Rosa Parks wouild be proud.

Douglas Cornish, Ottawa, Canada

This is the most great campaign for nomination between Mrs Clinton and Obama that I've ever seen. Two hopefulls and only one of them can be left. Splendid adressing to the voters and some attracive theropies from Obama has made him become the first balck presidential candidate in history.

cristiano, Wuhan, China

the sentiments from outside America are very clear. the world needs Obama in the White House. He is a man of peace unlike the Republicans who dream of wars and racism. America needs to reclaim its lost glory as the moral conscience of the world and not just a Military power. Go Barrack!!

Sammy, san jose, usa

If Mrs. Clinton had won would she potentially have been the 2nd blond president following Jimmy Carter? Question: What is the significance of colour? Answer = Nothing.

Marello, Coventry,

As an American who lived in Europe I can't say that I'm shocked by these postings. Feel free to spout your stereotypes and use those stereotypes to make yourselves feel better, but do NOT deny America's role as a transformational country. Give us some credit. Barack can win. Stop being so negative.

Michael, LA, US

The US elections are based on media hype and meaningless variables, yet some herald it as such a grand thing as to be admired globally. Could any one of those brainwashed flag-waving, fist-pumping, ye-hawing, hoping-to-be-caught-on-camera american voters name the actual POLICIES of each candidate?

James, London, England

Obama - people will love him when he becomes President of the US and he will do a pretty good job of bringing in the North American Dollar (US, Canada, Mexico), False peace in the middle east. Then i think he will become the President of the United Nations - then watch out! Reveleations!

John, Montreal,

Great Britian can no more claim to be the standard of racial/ethnic equality than the United States. Racism and biases of all kinds exist equally in both countries. Afterall the Royals may not marry Catholics. Yet, it is easy to condemn and categorize people without truly knowing their thoughts.

Dawn, Williamsburg, VA, USA

When Britain elects a black man, when France elects an Algerian , when Holland elects an Indonesian, then you can point a finger at the "racist" society in the USA. Until then , perhaps you should check your own minority relations.

ed, usa

Edmund, providence, usa

He has one foot in the door of the White House. What are the chances of a non white British Politician doing the same at No. 10 in the forseeable future.

Frank Greaney, Liverpool,

We couldn't hope for a better President to take the reigns and lead us through the next chapter of the USA than Obama. He is the United State's "the last best hope". His great leadership of his campaign speaks volumes on how he would lead our Country. I am 29 yr old white woman from the US

sarah, york, USA

Good hair, perfect teeth and a stream of vacuous feel-good speeches which say nothing.

This man is an ideal U.S. Presidential candidate.

A. KIrk, Manchester,

To Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK
I can not speak for the others but I lived 10 years in the US and I speak of what I saw. The racism was blatant. South Africa, in the old days, was worse off course but off-hand I can not think of any other place I have felt less at ease on racial matters

F Smith, Twickenham, UK

He is exactly half black and half white. Why do we automatically consider him black?

Michael Simek, Kaohsiung, , Taiwan

I Have a dream .

Anderson, Gls , UK

Obama will be what America and the World needs a smart and dedicated president. As per a previous comment it is obvious many people are limited to the rasial concepts. It is a pitty you are leaving from memories. Live the present and not waist the time with "respected" thoughts.

Radu, Bristol, UK

It's been a long time in coming. And it was finally over last night. Forget the dampener Hillary threw at the celebrations yesterday. Her divisive campaign hasn't changed the fact that HISTORY has indeed been made. The good guy won! And he will win again in November.
Yes We Can!
Si Se Puede!

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

I'm delighted Obama has got to this point, and only hope he now makes it to the White House. I'm still baffaled at the fact some american voters will now vote McCain and turn their back on the party. As per a previous comment, it is the party you are putting into the white house!!!!!!

patrick, manchester, uk

Obama is special and i now believe he can become president,
and deservedly so. Did you see that terrible speech by McCain last night.....

Antoine, Warsaw, Poland

Obama will not win half his own party voted against him! You dont need a black president to be respected. Race will be big in the election and Obama will lose!! Stay respected stay republican or you will end up like Britain!

mike, middlesbrough, england

Thank you Neil Walker . That is the perception that many have -even those of us who have not been there. Perhaps a victory by Obama will help to change that perception.

Sonia Crawford, London, England

Not to fast!! In a racist country like America, Obama's problem of being 1/2 Black, 1/2 Muslim is not so helpful. Additionally, he is perceived as too "liberal" who for years associated himself with the radical groups of Chicago.

Dave, Rutland,

I am amazed at the number of comments here (the majority in fact) by Brits who know nothing about America, and speak as authorities on race and religion! Are you talking about England? The U.S. is certainly not the ugly picture you are painting! Obama did not manufacture the 18 million votes!!

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

This is a message to all RACIST and those who harbour racist ideas, the world is changing. For those who said it could not be done, and those who are still trying to belittle this victory, brace yourselves for the first black president of the USA. America is ready for change, is the world ready?

Douglas Gherin, oxford, UK

The average American is a deeply racist and deeply religious bigot. Does anyone really think that a black man can become the President of the USA when he has to contend with these kinds of people? This view will be enforced at the next election when Obama is trounced by the religious white man.

J Roberts, Manchester, UK

If the Clintons have spent $20mil of their own money on getting into the White House - How were they going to get it back once they were in?
Surely the wages of the President aren't that lucrative? So where would the money come from???
Makes you wonder.........?

N Morgan, Stockport, UK

Whoever wins the race to the White House will only last one term, the incoming President will have to deal with the disaster that the Bush administration has left behind. The new president will have to deal with $200 oil prices, $3000 gold, hyperinflation and a depression.

Steve , Edgware, UK

See how the Special Interest Groups come out of the woodwork now! How can they criticise someone who is this new? America will only be a Great Country when it moves away from petty politics and looks after it's own citizens first. Rome had a greater empire and faded away too .......

Chris, London,

To neil walker, almere, holland

I too have lived in the US and have to say you are quite right. It is an unbelievably racist country (and not just in the South) and I can not see Obama having a hope in hell. Good luck to him though

F Smith, Twickenham, UK

Many, if not all of my white US friends in Chicago, will cast a Obama vote next November and I would do the same if I were a US citizen. Sure ,he is an illinois representative but that's not the only reason I guess. Clinton would have been a great president too. I go for a Obama.Cliton ticket!

pascal-pierre, Dinan, European Union ( FRA)

Why is a person who is half white classified as black?
Should the whites claim him?
Does claiming to be black actually give him an advantage nowadays? I mean, who would want to be white in these PC days?

John, woodbridge,

I love all the false hope of the posters below. I'm very glad Obama has won the nom, but even happier with how he did. The long campaign has divided the Democrat's core support and increased the probability of McCain bringing home the bacon in November.

Here's to another four years of the GOP!

PK, London,

I don't pretend to know too much about American politics (not being an American myself) but it seems counter-productive for any democrat to say they would rather vote for McCain than for Obama.

Remember it is the Party you are putting in the White House, not just the President....

G, St Peter Port, UK

With Clinton winning over 50% of the Democrat's primary votes it's not a very convincing mandate to propel Obama towards the Oval office. His nomination and "dithering" super delegates will cause white blue collar voters to switch to McCain letting the Republicans keep the keys to the White House.

Tony Campbell, Northampton, UK

Am still trying to understand when the world started to care so much about American Politics?!!
Thats right, because they are a "super power"..albeit we are interested because of the possible allies they might make of our own nations;at the end of the day, the president of the US isnt of the world!

laureen, Leeds, UK

The Democrats have played the short game and romanticised in choosing some one who has failed to win in big states such as California, Texas, Penns and New York. Congrats, 4 more years of Demos in opposition. And please! Can the media stop saying he is african american when in fact Obama is mixed!

Cecil Charlton, London, UK

I hope Mr Obama becomes President where he can restore the credibility of the US around the world which has been tarnished under the Bush. A new era offering hope, not just to Americans but also the rest of the world. He is a man who can break barriers and overcome obstacles.

Paul, West Midlands, UK

In London everyone is delighted Obama has got this far. However, this is the US of A we're talking about, the land of the ignorant and blind. McCain will win based on colour, based on the fake war on terror, based on the fact that Bush and his neo con cronies will make sure he wins.

Yaz, London, UK

Well, now comes the reality time for the younger americans to prove that they are 'not' still the 'racist' divided society that we all know their previous generations have been!!

Arvin, Lon, GB

HRC ended the campaign showing her true spirit - a clear and compelling insight to her soul.
Imagine the 2nd-place golfer at the Open making the leader take a 4-inch putt at the last ? She had the chance to give in gracefully - and share the applause - but opted for bitter and power-hungry.

T Hunter, Delhi,

Be afraid, be very afraid people !!!!!!!!!!

susan, glasgow,

Mark, DC, I agree, his policies are too left of centre. But he's better than the alternative, which is to continue the failed economic policies of the last 8 years. He is not perfect but how he will govern (consensus) and what he will do for the USA's standing abroad mean he must be elected!

Tosin, Brisbane, Australia

Hillary's speech.....
Hillary missed a great opportunity to redeem her and Bill's standing amongst the black community. She could have talked about it, the way Obama just can't. She could have said that many blacks gave their lives for a day like today. She didn't. That, broke my heart.

SvK

Steven von Kampen, Carlsbad, United States

Fine. Nominate Obama the walking disaster. We will vote for McCain and Obama will lose the election. Then it will be Hillary in 2012.

Four more years of Bush is one whole lot better than 1 single day of Obama as president.

Jenny J, Portland, USA

You've made a good job of it, Mr Obama.

I am thoroughly persuaded that Americans will have President of their hopes.

Stasys Gerdvila, 66, Vilnius, Lithuania, E.Europe

The Obama story is no longer fresh and new, his true colors are
now on display. He can't win in the electoral college, McCain will win.

Ed Engels, New York,

I am a 40 yo black woman who loves her country. I am patriotic in a way that annoys many European, yet I never thought I would see this day. I am truly in awe of my country.

Sandra, Seattle, USA

Well JimBob I'm full African American (as in not half white lol) and I'm similar in complexion to Senator Obama. But because he's 'mixed race' he gets to lose the title of black. Ever since I was a kid I never understood the whole color thing. Last time I checked I was brown anyway. Just saying...

Morgan, Philadelphia, United States

Having lived in the US and worked in various states anyone who thinks colour will not enter the argument is deranged. It is probably the most racist country on earth and there will be States quite frankly OBAMA could not walk down the Main Street.

neil walker, almere, holland

I am waiting for the republicans to start digging up dirt on Obama. I see it being a contest based on personal attacks, but i hope Obama wins. Let's see if he is true to his words about CHANGE!

Hamad Lone, London, England

Why hasn't anyone raised the same question about politicians who are Catholic? The Catholic Church turned a blind eye on child molestation among it clergy members. Or the fact that the church has come out and said no to women priests. Why the double standard?

Terri, Kentucky, USA

Listen, who cares what colour Obama is (I personally couldn't care less whether he's purple with blue spots) what the hell has it got to do with anything? ! It's his policies and ideas I'm interested in and I hope Americans have enough brains to put him in the White House.

Rachael Vaccaro, Sydney, Australia

I hope Barack Obama becomes the next American president. He has run an admirable campaign with as much grace, dignity and integrity that can be mustered in the often dirty game of politics. His story and victory is and will be an inspiration that will touch people around the world.

Mary Ong, New York, United States

Obama is success in the nomination. it is the new era for USA. the country will have a black president. that is a improved step in the history. I hope Mr. Obama should be succeed in the final election.

Cao ZM, xian, china

History has been made. Go!~ Obama .Take time to thank God
and let Hilary know you and she ran a hard but fair race
Make God continue to bless you and your family in all that you
do .I truly respesct you and admire you for the intergrity that was displayed during this race God is pleased

Brenda, chicago, usa

The big loser is the Israel lobby. Their worry now is whether Obama will exact revenge for the way they smeared him.

Arik Silverman, Milwaukee, USA

Great mind. Let's c what this giant slayer has in store for McCain. American politics have never been this interesting

JC, Calgary, Canada

Obama is not black. Any fool can see that. He's light brown. He's what we prefer to call "mixed race." A much nicer term that steers away from the outdated and historically tainted notion that if you're a little black, you're all black. Life, and people, are more complicated than that, no?

JimBob, Los Angeles, CA, USA

I am very happy with Barack Obama clinching the nomination. I am soooooo disapointed with Hillary Clinton's miopic view of her importance. This women is sooo selfish and really sooooo pathetic. How can she claim she couold be a leader and Army chief when she cannot see when is the time to quit!

Sonja Myers, Houston, Tx

Let us hope the Obama we see today is the same Obama we will see when/if he becomes US president. My fear is that President Obama will look like the fellow who for 20 years had no qualms in attending a racist and demagogue filled church.

Brian V Hunt, Hamilton, Canada

I love Obama's rhetoric. He just makes me feel the America is a great place, but can be even better. At the same time, everytime he actually states a position on something like farm subsidies (an embarassment to the U.S.) or trade, I'm appalled. I then get nervous about having this guy as president.

Mark, Washington, DC, USA

There is now HOPE that a country that sees itself as the leader of the Free World, will finally bear that great responsibility with real pride and affirmation. In Obama, we no doubt have a Man of Peace and harmony. Thats what the world needs now, more than ever. From one Kenyan to another. God Bless

Dilip Bhatt, Melbourne, Australia

The world would have really changed for the better if Obama takes the presidency.

The people of every continent will connect with the image of a fairer america, a more compassionate america.

The things Obama has promised will pale in comparison to the promise he will offer the world. Hope.

Dev Aeswara Ram, Brickfields, Malaysia

Obama has not 'clinched' the nomination: after the first round of voting at the convention, where only pledged delegates, inflexible in their vote, may participate, neither will have sufficient votes, and the next round of voting is open for all to participate, with pledged delegates no longer compe

Luke, Central New York, US

I have never been so proud of my nation as I am right now. I have been proud many times in the past, and also ashamed. Right now, though, as a 42-year old American, this is a moment I had never thought possible in the near future. Obama embodies all of the hope and desires of us all.

Stephen Perry, Phoenix, USA

I hope my fellow Americans will see the light and elect Obama in November. We need a president of and for the people who can help redeem us in the eyes of the world.

Paul, Los Angeles, USA

A new America, a new leader, a new and different perception of America. Hello, here is the future of America, here is the dawn of new era in American politics. Tell the world, here comes the birth of new era. Thank you Americans, and may God continue to bless America.

Sam Adeyiga, Fort Collins, CO, USA

I knew it and I'm glad Obama and Clinton would be on the same ticket, one way or the other.

deborah, Danville, a

I am so very delighted that Obama clenched the nom and I urge Hilary supporters to vote within the party come November. Don't vote for McCain out of vengeance... only if you really believe in his platform... lol with that said I pray that we all come out and support Obama in November! GOBAMA!!!!

Morgan, Philadelphia, United States

YAAHHOOOOO!!! What a great day for the future of the USA! We will have an INTELLIGENT president this time: certainly not one stupid enough to paint a target on his own back by asking she-who-must-not-be-named to be his running mate. One heartbeat away from the presidency is way too close.

Barbara , University City, MO, USA

Go Obama, stay tough and do McCain.
No to Clinton as VP. She is all about self interest, apart from the baggage of Bill. Obama is great news.

john, Liverpool, UK

It is certain that Obama is a good guy. However, as a president, it is another story. Hillary had commented on him " You campaign in poetry, you govern in prose". I am afraid this will turn out to be a fact

Ralph, LiaoNing , China

This is the HOPE the world has been waiting for. At long last the USA has a new HOPE that they can give to the world; not a warmonger but a man who is capable of dialogue, inspiration and truth which he can share with a world that is searching for relief.

H Ethelbert Mc Dowell, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Barack all the way. i am not backing Hillary for VP but I beleive she deserves a position in the cabinet or Senate where she can continue to do great things.

Roland, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Obama will be the president that the world has been expecting from the USA for a long time. He has the intelligence, charm, impartiality and ability that the USA and the world desperately needs.

Katja Grubor, Bled, Slovenia

My family (my wife and my son to sixteen) and I myself hope a new era for America with Obama's victory in November. We hope for a time of dialogue and decency in international affairs.

Antonio Sergio Bichir, São Paulo, Brazil

If Hillary now wants to campaign for Obama fine, But some of us do not want the Clintons back in white House. I will go back and vote republican. there are others men and women qualified to help Obama win the election. It would be just like in primaries he never knew who he was running against .

wilhelmina 78, Ric hmond, tx, U.s.

What a disastrous day for the USA and the world.Obama will never win against McCain,so ensuring the status quo.
As for quitting his hate filled church.They say birds of a feather fly together.

James Currie, London, UK

So now that they're candidate has been defeated, they (Hilary's white working class and women supporters - see above) are effectively going to throw a tantrum and vote republican!!! Thats a very mature and beneficial approach to take indeed!!!

Ross B, Corvallis, US

Great!!!
I'm glad to watch Barack Obama reaching the next step of becoming President.
I hope Mrs Clinton accept her role as vice president.

felix, Germany,

Obama has run a better campaign than either Hillary Clinton or John McCain. He has surrounded himself with very smart people and he has run a campaign with integrity. He had my vote from a caucus state (Maine)- which counts. He has my vote in November

phood, Farmington, USA

please please don't vote mccain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! can we really deal with another 100 years in iraq??

miele, roma,

I wish all the best for Obama. God bless him and his family.

Sali Eden, Bukoba, Tanzania

We in Trinidad and Tobago are praying that Barack Obama wins and becomes the first black president of the United States. Black people all over the world would be happy and have another reason to celebrate. America would be respected by the world again, with positive change and a secure economy.

fayola johnson, SAN FERNANDO, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO